The group wants to focus on its most profitable sectors after earlier embarking on a vast restructuring programme, including of its energy division hit by postponements of wind and solar projects.

ABB had also announced in September a one-billion-dollar cost-cutting plan by the end of 2017 by increasing the productivity of its white-collar staff.

However, restructuring charges for the full year rose to $626 million.

"We are shifting our centre of gravity, fully in line with our Next Level strategy by driving organic growth in targeted segments, strengthening competitiveness and lowering risk," chief executive officer Ulrich Spiesshofer said in the statement.

And he highlighted technological innovations such as the launch of a collaborative robot, YuMi.